Monthly Archives: July 2013

Have you ever been to Rajasthan? You must have seen the moustache man of all ages wearing colorful turbans in different style and patterns. Have ever wondered how and why such different type of colorful turbans they wear?

The turbans of Rajasthan are the most colorful and impressive sorts of adornment for men in whole of theIndia. The use of turbans was basically started by the Rajput community, who reside in the Indian state of Rajasthan. They used to wear distinct turbans and the Hindi pronunciation of turban is Paag, Safa or Pagri to show their pride, their class and status. It is said that the style of the turban changes with every 15 km you travel within the geographical boundaries of Rajasthan.

Once you experience the royal culture of Rajasthan, you will be amazed with the variations of colorful turbans. Surprisingly, in some parts of the region, the size of turban indicates the position of the person in the society they live and also used to maintain the temperature of head during the different seasons.

These Turbans add a brilliant splash of color and style to the barren lands of Rajasthan. The sight of a group of turban man is just mesmerizing that portrays a rainbow of vibrant colors personifying colorful Rajasthan.

Soon, a van displaying artworks of well-known Rajasthani artists will be touring various cities of Rajasthan.

Often when someone wants to see a work by some well-known painter, a fancy art gallery is the only place where they can go. However, soon, artworks and masterpieces by famous Rajasthani artists will be on display… on a vehicle! Rajasthan Lalit Kala Academy, in a bid to promote art in remote areas, has bought a van. This gallery-on-wheels will be equipped with modern facilities like an LCD projector and will travel to different cities and places where there are no art galleries, to host art exhibitions.

The van has a display area where almost 30 paintings can be displayed at a time, and the LCD projector is meant to screen art films and documentaries on artists. a wide collection of artworks by various artists will even be put up on display in other states as part of the exchange programme.

Ghoomar, a folk dance of Rajasthan, has found its way into the list of world’s most amazing local dances after an international travel website ranked it fourth on the list.

The ochre expanse of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan comes alive with the visual relief of its brightly dressed inhabitants; and when its dancers take the center stage, you just cannot stop tapping your feet. The Ghoomar Dance is one of the most popular folk dances of Rajasthan.

Ghoomar is not just a display of rhythmic talent; its graceful performance in conjunction with the twirling of colourful, long-flowing skirts elevates its aesthetic appeal. It is performed by women arranged in circles occasionally snapping or clapping sometimes accompanied by men who are also expected to sing together. They move in clockwise or anticlockwise direction and when they dance the grace and the vibrant colours of ghaghra (skirts) can be seen.

Like so many folk dances, Ghoomar is usually performed during special occasions to worship religious deities

Rejoice textile lovers! Jaipur, known as the centre hub of Textile now has its own Textile Park called “Jaipur Integrated TEXCRAFT Park Pvt. Ltd.” The Park is being created to prevent and control the pollution caused in Sanganer and nearby areas due to the chemical disposition from dyeing and painting of clothes in a large scale in the area. Spread across the area of 23.42 acre land in RICCO Industrial Area phase II, the TEXCRAFT Park aims to provide world class infrastructure and state of the art facilities to approx 20 unit holders with around 4 thousand artisans under one roof. the park has been set up with the combined efforts of a group of hand block printers and the endeavor has been to upscale and promote the traditional technologies keeping in line the modern needs and usage.It would facilitate city’s mini, micro and large textile companies for the production of textile and craft materials at one centre hub.

The park infrastructure is highly environment friendly with the additional facilities of water recycling that would ensure 90% of recycled water to be reused. Besides, a centre pond is also constructed for Rain Water Harvesting and that water would also be used for dyeing and painting at the Park.

Inaugurated by the Union minister for textiles Dr Kavuru Sambasiva Rao on Wednesday, July24, 2013, the Jaipur TEXCRAFT Park would also host Textile Training Programmes, Seminars, Workshops, Block Print and skill development programmes and designing programmes to benefit more and more aspiring artists in the country. Interestingly, now the families of traditional block printers in Sanganer would join this park and start their printing work from here itself.

The Jaipur TEXCRAFT Park certainly is a commendable initiative for big textile companies to work under one roof. It has open employment opportunities for women, direct employment to 4000 persons and indirect employment to 12,000 . And most important the park would also help in controlling the pollution.

“The belly rules the mind” goes a famous Spanish proverb, a phrase that Rajasthan, the land of the kings, is no stranger to. Rajasthani cuisine is a splendid combination of unique, spicy and colorful dishes. It’s incomplete without the description of Dal-Baati-Churma, a traditional wholesome meal of the state. Sweet dishes are never referred to as ‘dessert’ in Rajasthan, because unlike desserts which are had after the meal, Rajasthani sweets are had before, during and after the meal.

The Months of July and August are perfect to talk about the much celebrated dessert in this season of special festivities. “Ghevar”, an incredible Rajasthani Delicacy which is widely popular and traditionally associated with Teej Festival (locally called Saawan ki Teej) and Raksha Bandhan festival falling in the month of August in Rajasthan. It is a round mesh like disc-shaped fried delicacy drenched in sugar syrup and topped with sliced nuts and flavored rabri.

This Rajasthani festival Dessert is always a chart topper and savored in different styles; some enjoy it plain while others love it with the toppings of Mawa or Malai. Ghevar also tastes great when it is eaten with hot Milk or Kheer.

Malai Dry Fruit Ghevar

Mawa Ghevar

Plain Ghevar

Plain Ghevar

Dry Fruit Ghevar

Saffron Ghevar

Having such a variety in taste Ghevar can definitely satiate your sweet tooth pangs for the time being but cannot satisfy your need to have it again and again. “Padharo mahare des” is an apt phrase, which means: “Welcome to my state”, where you can experience the uniqueness that it has on offer and enhance it with the wonderful hospitality, food AND Sweet Dishes that Rajasthan is famed the world over…..

Amer, Jaigarh and Nahargarh!! These forts, though built at different periods, are so located that they seemed to be stringed together.

Nahargarh or the Tiger Fort is the first of the three forts. Built mainly in 1734, it lies in the north west of city palace and renders some stunning views of the city below. The view at night is in fact mesmerizing with thousands of ignited lamps and lights. A royal retreat for Maharanis and personal treasury for many years is now a favorite monsoon picnic spot for the city dwellers and sightseeing point for tourists. Durg- a cafeteria is also popular for its coffee, cuisines and beautiful seating arrangement that gives a magnificent vista to the guests while dining.

Jaigarh, the fort of victoryis a rugged fort built in 1726by Sawai Jai Singh. It was the the royal treasury for several years. This outstanding accomplishment of martial structural design stands amid thorn-scrub covered Aravalli hills with the steep road that is great to gaze up and down. The fort is time-honored for the Jaivana cannon, considered the largest cannon in the world. Jaivana, the principal cannon on wheels in the planet, is one of the key eye pullers of Jaigarh Fort. Superstructure at a commanding height, the cannon is perched with view of the entire city. The intricate water supply and storage system at Jaigarh makes it a place of interest for tourists.

There is a lot more to Amer other than its statuesque Fort. Set in a picturesque location, Amer is a fascinating blend of Hindu and muslim architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. In the foreground is the Maotha Lake, providing a breathtaking look. Built over the remnants of an earlier structure, the palace complex which stands today was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh II in 16th century. One of the most striking parts of the fort is the Hall of Mirrors. The hall could be lit at night by a single candle because of all the tiny, intricate mirrors. Jai Mandir, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh Pol are some other prominent areas to admire for their sheer beauty….

Amazing yet fact, the magnificence of these three forts stringed like a garland, is no lesser than a fairy tale of kings and queens popularly known as the legacy of Jaipur which has been attracting visitors from across the world for their magnificence, the momentousness and the milieu during different seasons. One can also enjoy a breathtaking view of surrounding areas from the fort complexes. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the majestic Forts of Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Amer while you are in Jaipur.

Fairs and festivals add much needed zing to our life and give us an opportunity to forget all our tensions and make merry. Fairs and festivals in Jaipur epitomize this very idea of living life to the hilt.

Teej, the carnival of swings tributes the initiation of torrential rain month of Shravan (in the month of August). The torrential rain falls on the scorched land of Rajasthan and the lovely aroma of the wet soil mounts in the air. People hang the swings from trees and ladies would dress up in bright green clothes. They sing songs merrily thereby welcoming the monsoon. It is also a good time to shop for the Rajasthani ‘tie and dye’ fabrics, saris as well as trendy accessories from the decorated markets. Teej festival is devoted to the deity Parvati to tribute her unification with mighty God Shiva.

Owing to the enjoyable ambiance of the neighbouring foliage, all women enjoy carefree swings. Hence, the key reason behind Teej festival is to make a woman of the house happy thus making the whole family to prosper.

Starting from the Tripolia Gate of the City Palace at 06.00 pm and ending at Chaugun, the traditional royal procession would be led through the Tripolia Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar on August 09 and 10, this year. Antique gilt palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, bedecked elephants, horses, camels, brass bands, and dances all form a part of this grand procession. The Palanquin of Goddess Paravati is carried by eight men dressed in red colour. This kilometre long parade travels through the embedded lanes of the old city. People come out in their traditional best to participate, witness and enjoy.

Teej is also an excellent time to enjoy Rajasthani delicacies like ‘Ghewar’ and ‘Feeni’ and ‘Malpuas’.